COMPARATIVE PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF NIGER AND SOKOTO GROUNDNUTS (Arachis hypogaea l.)
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Abstract
Arachis hypogaea l. (Groundnut) is a major leguminous oilseed crop widely cultivated in Nigeria for its nutritional and economic importance. It serves as a vital source of protein, oil, and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Limited studies have integrated proximate, phytochemical evaluations of its varieties within different agro-ecological zones. This study aimed to carry out a comparative evaluation of the proximate, and phytochemical properties of two Arachis hypogaea varieties cultivated in Niger and Sokoto States, Nigeria. Standard analytical procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and the American Oil Chemists’ Society were employed for proximate analysis while High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantitative phytochemical 11 determination. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 25.0) with significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed minor variations between the two varieties. Niger samples exhibited higher fibre (15.20%) and ash content, while Sokoto samples contained higher protein (8.40%) and carbohydrate (48.70%) levels. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides in both samples, with tannins detected only in the
Sokoto variety. HPLC results showed that the Sokoto variety had significantly higher flavonoid and terpenoid concentrations (p < 0.05), suggesting stronger antioxidant potential. The observed compositional differences indicate that environmental and varietal factors influence the nutritional and phytochemical attributes of Arachis hypogaea. Both varieties demonstrated excellent nutritional and functional qualities suitable for food, nutraceutical, and industrial applications. In conclusion, the study underscores the nutritional richness and biochemical diversity of Arachis hypogaea, recommending the Sokoto variety for nutraceutical use and the Niger variety for fibrerich food formulations. Future research integrating genetic and environmental profiling is suggested to enhance varietal improvement and industrial utilization
Sokoto variety. HPLC results showed that the Sokoto variety had significantly higher flavonoid and terpenoid concentrations (p < 0.05), suggesting stronger antioxidant potential. The observed compositional differences indicate that environmental and varietal factors influence the nutritional and phytochemical attributes of Arachis hypogaea. Both varieties demonstrated excellent nutritional and functional qualities suitable for food, nutraceutical, and industrial applications. In conclusion, the study underscores the nutritional richness and biochemical diversity of Arachis hypogaea, recommending the Sokoto variety for nutraceutical use and the Niger variety for fibrerich food formulations. Future research integrating genetic and environmental profiling is suggested to enhance varietal improvement and industrial utilization
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